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Evan's fight 'not in vain'

Nicole Wellwood, shown with sons, Tyson, 6, and Logan Leversage, 10, is helping organize a toy drive in memory of son Evan Leversage, who died last December. Residents also are being asked to light up their homes with holiday decorations on Monday to mark the one-year anniversary of an early Christmas parade organized for Evan. (Brian Thompson/The Expositor)

Evan Leversage is still inspiring people and bringing communities together almost a year after he lost his battle against cancer

A toy drive in support of needy residents of Brant County has been organized in memory of the St. George boy. And, on Oct. 24, residents of St. George are being encouraged to light up their homes in the Evan's memory.

"I think Evan would be proud and pleased," said his mother, Nicole Wellwood. "It's all quite overwhelming, all the support we have received from the community.

"This (the toy drive) is a way to pay it forward and I know that he'd be happy to know that other kids are going to have a good Christmas."

Evan was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer just before turning two. He died in early December 2015 at seven years old.

But prior to his death, St. George residents rallied to grant Evan his wish to experience one last Christmas. A parade with 25 floats, police and fire vehicles, a pipe band and Clydesdale horses was organized last Oct. 24. Residents pulled out their Christmas decorations early to light up their homes and snow machines were brought in to blanket part of Evan's street with snow.

As well, Evan got to sit in Santa's sleigh and ride with him through the streets of St. George.

The event generated a lot of media attention and put a spotlight on children's cancer.

This year, in Evan's memory, Dragonfly Landscape, of St. George, has joined Wellwood to conduct a toy drive.

They are getting a boost from Brant County OPP Const. Ken Johnston, who helped organize last year's parade for Evan.

"This is a way of showing that there is a lot of caring in our community," Wellwood said. "We can work together to make Christmas special for everyone.

"Every child should have a special gift at Christmas and I especially want to help single parents who often struggle at Christmas."

Anyone wishing to support the toy drive can take a new toy to Dragonfly at 117 Brant Rd. (Highway 24), near the intersection of German School Road. Dragonfly is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Last year, Wellwood and sons Tyson and Logan received a lot of gifts from the community and beyond.

"I put some of the toys away for other special occasions and we also sent a lot up to London Children's Hospital last year," Wellwood said.

Evan and his mom often went to London Children's Hospital of Western Ontario for his treatments.

Meanwhile, Nancy Hussey, a St. George resident who was inspired by Evan's story last year, has set up an event page on social media calling for residents to light up their homes on Monday, the one-year anniversary of last year's event.

"In memory of Evan and to show his mom, Nicole and brothers Logan and Tyson that Evan will never be forgotten, let's light up our houses again on Oct. 24," Hussey said in announcing the event.

Wellwood has also been busy fulfilling a promise she made to her son to help put an end to brain cancer.

Wellwood has been working with the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada on Evan's Legacy, a fund that accepts donations to support brain tumour research.

The fund has received $35,000 in donations so far, Wellwood said.

"Evan's fight wasn't, and will not be, in vain," Wellwood said. "I don't even know how I can possibly thank everyone who's been part of Evan's legacy so far.

"While my heart is broken, it's slowly being mended by the outpouring of love and support we've received."

Money donated to Evan's Legacy are being directed to research into pediatric brain cancer.